For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Karen Caudle
This is an excellent question.
Danny Hickman
Was the American Revolution a violation of Romans 13, I don't think so. Were the founders of this Republic the type of men whom they are reputed by their descendants to be? I don't think so.
For the record: I hold no grudge against them or the Africans in my family tree who did business in the slave trade with them. I don't need to be reminded of how much the Lord has forgiven me of in order for me to "move on" and go forward. I'm not stalled anywhere.
Still... the people who bought and sold people then, is as of just as low character as the people who engage in "human trafficking" today. ALL of the perpetrators are my fellow man, and I pray their forgiveness in the Lord (Psalm 103:3). But, I will never try to excuse their sinfulness. They were as wrong then as they would be now if they were in the business that still goes on to this day. To say otherwise is to speak "erroneously."